Eastern Conference playoff picture: Leafs HOST Tampa Bay

[Racer88]

Looks like Boston has caught us in the standings

 

[steam whistle]

Beat BOSTON!!!

 

[Leaffan1991]

I would love a Toronto Boston series. We need to defeat the demons of the past to finally get to the next chapter

 

[Frostitute]

Looks like Boston has caught us in the standings

And for the first time in a long time I'd say that's a good thing

 

[thusk]

Right... because when has that ever worked out.

Motivation should already BE there to begin with.

Leafs have failed every year in the playoffs.

I have 0 expectations coming into this.

After last year, I'm just observing, they broke me.

I don't care who we face, If they can't bring it this year, the circus will be back in town.

Yes and no, yes motivation will always be there but just being considerated like a underdog, you can drop some pressure from your shoulder and just concentring yourself of playing hard because nobody expecting from you winning this series. So unstead or just overthinking about everything and did not play with the same energy, they just can play hard and see whats happenning.

 

[Arthur Morgan]

Right... because when has that ever worked out.

Motivation should already BE there to begin with.

Leafs have failed every year in the playoffs.

I have 0 expectations coming into this.

After last year, I'm just observing, they broke me.

I don't care who we face, If they can't bring it this year, the circus will be back in town.

Feel the same way bro.

 

[TorMapleJays]

TB vs BOS last night was a man’s game.

Toronto doesn’t play well in games that are played with angry, physical, and punishing hockey.

We know this.

 

[ChazzMichaelMichaels]

TB vs BOS last night was a man’s game.

Toronto doesn’t play well in games that are played with angry, physical, and punishing hockey.

We know this.

I didn't think it was that physical, thought Tampa looked tired.

Boston is a really good team at the moment. Best team in the NHL since January, they are looking like an issue.

 

[Sypher04]

TB vs BOS last night was a man’s game.

Toronto doesn’t play well in games that are played with angry, physical, and punishing hockey.

We know this.

That was once true. Not so sure it is anymore

 

[kb]

Looks like Boston has caught us in the standings

Looks like the Leafs are 2nd in the division and ahead of both of them in the standings now.

 

[kb]

TB vs BOS last night was a man’s game.

Toronto doesn’t play well in games that are played with angry, physical, and punishing hockey.

We know this.

Except that's not what happened. Tampa got blown out by a better team and only their goalie kept it from being a rout.

Leafs are 2nd in hits per game over the last 6 games, and 4th since March 1st.

 

[wintersej]

Looks like the Leafs are 2nd in the division and ahead of both of them in the standings now.

Until Tuesday

 

[Leaf Rocket]

Except that's not what happened. Tampa got blown out by a better team and only their goalie kept it from being a rout.

Leafs are 4th in hits per game over the last 6 games.

They have been struggling quite a bit of late but I think its a team bored they aren't in the playoffs frankly.

 

[Frostitute]

Yes and no, yes motivation will always be there but just being considerated like a underdog, you can drop some pressure from your shoulder and just concentring yourself of playing hard because nobody expecting from you winning this series. So unstead or just overthinking about everything and did not play with the same energy, they just can play hard and see whats happenning.

Kinda like a $hit team kicking @$$ after they get eliminated from playoff contention

 

[Mess]

My preseaon prediction had the Bruins finishing 2nd in the Atlantic and Leafs battling for 3rd/WC.

As it stands now that might make a Leafs / Bruins 1st round match something that unfolds again,

 

[zeke]

My preseaon prediction had the Bruins finishing 2nd in the Atlantic and Leafs battling for 3rd/WC.

As it stands now that might make a Leafs / Bruins 1st round match something that unfolds again,

Your prediction had the Leafs fighting for a bubble spot with the Habs.

Instead they're top 5 in the league.

 

[Hockey 4 Life]

Even after all the disappointment over the years, I actually believe in this team. As long as we get decent goaltending I think we beat our first round opponent no matter who it is. Also I'm ready for this post to be rubbed in my face if they don't. Go Leafs Go.

 

[AvroArrow]

Even after all the disappointment over the years, I actually believe in this team. As long as we get decent goaltending I think we beat our first round opponent no matter who it is. Also I'm ready for this post to be rubbed in my face if they don't. Go Leafs Go.

If we get average goaltending, this team can win the Cup. Literally that is all we need, all the other pieces are there. The forwards are great, blue-line is phenomenal, team structure and D is great, special teams are ELITE probably the best in the entire league, literally just the goaltending. If Soup can return to form, watch out this team will do some serious damage. Dubas bet on Campbell this deadline, let's see if it works out. If we can get just average NHL goaltending, .910 this team will make a deep run.

We need hot soup

 

[Hockey 4 Life]

If we get average goaltending, this team can win the Cup. Literally that is all we need, all the other pieces are there. The forwards are great, blue-line is phenomenal, team structure and D is great, special teams are ELITE probably the best in the entire league, literally just the goaltending. If Soup can return to form, watch out this team will do some serious damage. Dubas bet on Campbell this deadline, let's see if it works out. If we can get just average NHL goaltending, .910 this team will make a deep run.

We need hot soup

I agree 100%.

 

[Albus Dumbledore]

Liljegren 10 hits in his last 5 games. He's averaging at least a hit and block per game. Talk about a rugged player.

 

[Mess]

If we get average goaltending, this team can win the Cup. Literally that is all we need, all the other pieces are there. The forwards are great, blue-line is phenomenal, team structure and D is great, special teams are ELITE probably the best in the entire league, literally just the goaltending. If Soup can return to form, watch out this team will do some serious damage. Dubas bet on Campbell this deadline, let's see if it works out. If we can get just average NHL goaltending, .910 this team will make a deep run.

We need hot soup

FWIW: Andrei Vasilevskiy posted a 1.90 GAA and .937 sv% on the way to Tampa Bays Cup run last year and a 1.90 GAA and .927 sv% the previous year.

If Leafs play Tampa Bay and Vas performs as usual then how can the Leafs win with average goaltending when the opposition goalie outperforms them?

 

[AvroArrow]

FWIW: Andrei Vasilevskiy posted a 1.90 GAA and .937 sv% on the way to Tampa Bays Cup run last year and a 1.90 GAA and .927 sv% the previous year.

If Leafs play Tampa Bay and Vas performs as usual then how can the Leafs win with average goaltending when the opposition goalie outperforms them?

By outplaying them 5v5 and special teams, we're dominant enough 5v5 to win 4/7 with average goaltending.

 

[GoonieFace]

Honestly, if there is a year to beat Tampa and Boston, this is it. Now it’s up to this core to actually prove something when it counts. I’m skeptical.

 

[LeafChief]

My preseaon prediction had the Bruins finishing 2nd in the Atlantic and Leafs battling for 3rd/WC.

As it stands now that might make a Leafs / Bruins 1st round match something that unfolds again,

Didn't your pre-season prediction have the Leafs and Habs battling for the last playoff spot?

 

[HamiltonNHL]

Honestly, if there is a year to beat Tampa and Boston, this is it. Now it’s up to this core to actually prove something when it counts. I’m skeptical.

This is the way